Updated for 2026 with current Metro policies, restaurant recommendations, and entry requirements.

Dog-Friendly Paris: A Complete City Guide

Paris is, quite simply, one of the most dog-friendly cities on earth. This is not marketing hype or tourism board spin — it is an observable cultural reality that has roots stretching back centuries. Parisians love their dogs. Dogs ride the Metro. Dogs dine in restaurants. Dogs browse department stores. Dogs lounge in parks where children play. The relationship between Parisians and their dogs is woven into the fabric of daily life in a way that most Americans find astonishing.

I brought Oakley to Paris for the first time in 2024, and the experience fundamentally changed my understanding of what “dog-friendly” means. In the United States, dog-friendly means tolerated, restricted, and charged extra. In Paris, dog-friendly means included, welcomed, and considered normal. A dog in a Parisian cafe is no more remarkable than a laptop. It is simply part of the landscape.

This guide covers everything you need to know to bring your dog to Paris — from entry requirements and transportation to the best parks, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and cultural experiences the city offers to canine visitors.

Getting Your Dog to Paris

Entry Requirements for Dogs Entering France

France follows European Union pet entry regulations. For dogs coming from the United States:

Required documentation:

1. ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit). Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before arrival. The vaccination must be given after the microchip was implanted.
3. EU Health Certificate (non-commercial movement). This form must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA-APHIS.
4. Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis). Required 24-120 hours before arrival in France. Must be administered by a veterinarian and documented on the health certificate. This requirement is unique to the EU and catches many Americans off guard.

Timeline:

• At least 30 days before travel: Verify microchip and rabies vaccination are current
• 10 days before travel: Vet appointment for health certificate
• 5-7 days before travel: Submit health certificate to USDA-APHIS for endorsement
• 1-5 days before travel: Tapeworm treatment (within the 24-120 hour window)
• Day of travel: Carry all original documentation in your carry-on

Cost: $200-$400 total for all documentation and treatments.

Flying to Paris With Your Dog

In-cabin (dogs under 8 kg / 17.6 lbs including carrier): Air France allows small dogs in the cabin on transatlantic flights for approximately 200 EUR per flight segment. The carrier must fit under the seat (46x28x24 cm maximum). Other airlines that fly US-Paris routes with in-cabin pet policies include Delta (check current pet embargo periods), United, and American.

Cargo: Dogs too large for cabin travel must fly in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. Air France has a well-regarded live animal transport program. Book directly through Air France Cargo and confirm all documentation requirements.

Alternative: Eurostar from London If you are already in the UK, the Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord allows dogs. Small dogs in carriers ride free; larger dogs require a ticket (approximately 40 EUR) and must be leashed and muzzled. The journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes and avoids the stress of air travel entirely.

Transportation in Paris With Your Dog

The Paris Metro

Dogs are allowed on the Paris Metro, RER (commuter rail), buses, and trams. The rules depend on your dog’s size:

Small dogs (under 6 kg / 13 lbs):

• Must be carried in a bag or carrier
• No ticket required
• Allowed on all lines at all times

Large dogs (over 6 kg):

• Must be leashed and muzzled
• Requires a reduced-fare ticket (currently half of a standard ticket, approximately 1.10 EUR)
• Allowed on all Metro lines but may be refused during extreme rush hours at the driver’s discretion
• Must be on the floor, not on seats

The muzzle requirement: This is enforced, particularly during inspections. A basket muzzle (like the Baskerville Ultra) is the most comfortable option for extended Metro use. Practice muzzle training before your trip. Some travelers report that enforcement is lax, but carrying and using a muzzle avoids potential fines (up to 150 EUR) and conflict with other passengers.

Metro tips with dogs:

• Avoid Lines 1, 4, and 13 during rush hour (8-9 AM, 5-7 PM) — the crush of passengers is genuinely dangerous for dogs
• Use the wider carriages on lines with newer trains (Line 14 is fully automated with wide cars)
• Stand near the doors for quick exits if your dog becomes stressed
• Carry a portable water bowl — Metro stations are warm, and dogs dehydrate faster underground

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis: Parisian taxis are required to accept dogs, though some drivers may refuse larger dogs. If a driver refuses, note the taxi number and report to the city’s taxi regulation authority. In practice, most drivers are fine with dogs.

Uber/Bolt: Neither Uber nor Bolt has an official dog-friendly option in Paris. However, many drivers accept dogs, particularly in UberX. Message the driver before they arrive to ask. If refused, cancel and try another driver.

Walking

Paris is a supremely walkable city, and walking with your dog is the best way to experience it. Most central Paris neighborhoods are within 30-45 minutes of each other on foot, and the walking infrastructure — wide sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and riverside paths — is excellent for dogs.

Leash laws: Dogs must be leashed in all public spaces in Paris. The maximum leash length is not specified, but a standard 6-foot leash is appropriate. Off-leash areas exist only within designated dog parks.

Parks and Green Spaces

Paris has over 400 parks and gardens, and the rules for dogs vary by park type:

Jardin du Luxembourg

Dogs are NOT allowed in the Jardin du Luxembourg. This is the most commonly cited “gotcha” for dog travelers in Paris. The Luxembourg Garden, while beautiful, has prohibited dogs since the 19th century. Do not bring your dog here — security will turn you away at the entrance.

Tuileries Garden

Dogs are allowed on leash in the Tuileries Garden, the historic park that stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. This is one of the best parks for dogs in central Paris, with wide gravel paths, shade trees, and a beautiful setting.

Bois de Boulogne

The Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of Paris is the city’s largest park at over 2,000 acres, and it is wonderfully dog-friendly. Dogs on leash are welcome on all paths, and there are designated off-leash areas within the park. The variety of terrain — forests, lakes, meadows, and gardens — makes this the best park in Paris for dogs that need serious exercise.

Off-leash areas within Bois de Boulogne:

• Several fenced dog runs near the park’s southern section
• Larger open areas where off-leash dogs are tolerated (though technically leash rules apply)
• The banks of the Lac Inferieur are popular for dogs to wade

Bois de Vincennes

The Bois de Vincennes on the eastern edge of Paris mirrors the Bois de Boulogne in size and dog-friendliness. The park has a zoo (dogs not allowed inside), a Buddhist temple, a floral park, and miles of trails. Dogs on leash are welcome throughout.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This dramatic park in the 19th arrondissement features a hilltop temple, a lake, waterfalls, and steep walking paths. Dogs on leash are welcome and the park is popular with local dog owners. The varied terrain provides excellent stimulation.

Canal Saint-Martin

The towpath along the Canal Saint-Martin is one of Paris’s most charming walks, and dogs are everywhere. The flat, wide path runs alongside the canal through the 10th arrondissement, passing trendy cafes, boutiques, and iron footbridges.

Cafes and Restaurants

This is where Paris truly shines for dog owners. French food hygiene regulations have historically been interpreted to allow dogs in restaurants, and the cultural norm of dogs in dining establishments is deeply entrenched.

The Cafe Culture

In Paris, you do not need to look for “dog-friendly” cafes. Nearly every cafe with outdoor seating (terrasse) welcomes dogs, and many cafes welcome dogs inside as well. The protocol is simple:

1. Walk in with your dog on a leash
2. Choose a table — outdoor terrasse tables are always fine; indoor tables are fine at most casual cafes and bistros
3. Your dog sits or lies under the table
4. The waiter may bring a water bowl without being asked
5. Order, enjoy, repeat

Etiquette:

• Keep your dog under the table, not on the chair
• Do not feed your dog from the table in a restaurant (this is considered poor form)
• If your dog is disruptive (barking, begging other tables), leave
• A well-behaved dog is invisible to Parisian waiters — this is the goal

Notable Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Cafe de Flore — Saint-Germain-des-Pres One of Paris’s most iconic cafes, Cafe de Flore has welcomed dogs since it opened in 1887. Sit on the terrasse with your dog, order a cafe creme, and watch the world go by. This is the quintessential Parisian dog experience.

• Price: 5 EUR for coffee, 15-25 EUR for food
• Dog access: Terrasse and sometimes inside
• Tip: Go in the morning before the tourist crowds arrive

Le Comptoir du Pantheon — 5th Arrondissement A beautiful cafe across from the Pantheon with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. The food is traditional French brasserie fare — croque monsieur, salade Nicoise, tartare — and the setting is spectacular.

Pink Mamma — 10th Arrondissement This massive, multi-floor Italian restaurant has a rooftop terrasse where dogs are welcome. The food is outstanding, the portions are enormous by Parisian standards, and the atmosphere is lively.

Le Bouillon Chartier — 9th Arrondissement A historic Parisian institution dating to 1896, Bouillon Chartier serves traditional French food at remarkably low prices in a stunning Belle Epoque dining room. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area and sometimes inside.

Market and Street Food

Paris’s outdoor markets are dog-friendly by default. Dogs on leash are welcome at:

• Marche d’Aligre (12th arr.) — Daily food market
• Marche Bastille (11th arr.) — Thursday and Sunday mornings
• Rue Mouffetard market street — Daily specialty shops
• Marche des Enfants Rouges (3rd arr.) — The oldest covered market in Paris

Street food along the Seine, especially from the bouquinistes (used booksellers) along the left bank, makes for a perfect dog-friendly lunch.

Hotels

Dog-Friendly Hotel Options

Paris hotels are generally accepting of dogs, though fees and policies vary:

Hotel	Dog Fee	Weight Limit	Dog Amenities
Le Bristol Paris	90 EUR/night	No limit	Dog bed, treats, dog-sitting, dog menu
Hotel Plaza Athenee	70 EUR/night	No limit	Dog concierge, walking service
Hotel Le Marais	30 EUR/stay	15 kg	Dog bowl, treats
Citadines Apart’hotel (various)	15-25 EUR/stay	Varies	Basic amenities
Mama Shelter Paris	0 EUR	No limit	Dog-friendly by design

Budget tip: Mama Shelter Paris charges no pet fee and has a relaxed, creative atmosphere where dogs are genuinely welcome. The rooftop bar allows dogs and has excellent views.

Luxury tip: Le Bristol Paris is legendary for its dog program. Their resident hotel dog, a golden retriever named Fay, roams the lobby and gardens. The hotel provides a dog bed, food and water bowls, treats, and can arrange dog-sitting and walking services.

Apartment Rentals

For longer stays, Parisian apartment rentals through Airbnb or Vrbo are often the best option. Many Parisian hosts welcome dogs, and having your own kitchen and living space makes multi-day stays with a dog much more comfortable.

Search for apartments with “animaux acceptes” (pets accepted) and confirm directly with the host. Typical pet fees for Parisian apartments range from 20 to 50 EUR per stay.

Cultural Experiences With Your Dog

What You CAN Do

• Walk past (and photograph) all major monuments — The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Sacre-Coeur, and all other outdoor monuments are accessible with dogs
• Browse the bouquinistes along the Seine — The outdoor used booksellers welcome browsing dogs
• Shop on the Champs-Elysees — Many shops allow dogs inside
• Visit outdoor markets — All outdoor markets welcome leashed dogs
• Explore Montmartre — The hilly streets, artists’ square, and cafe terrasses are dog-friendly
• Walk along the Seine — The river paths are perfect for dogs at any time of day

What You CANNOT Do

• Enter the Louvre or any major museum — Dogs are not permitted in Parisian museums (with rare exceptions for service dogs)
• Enter the Jardin du Luxembourg — Dogs are prohibited
• Enter Notre-Dame Cathedral — No dogs inside religious buildings
• Visit the catacombs — Dogs are not permitted underground
• Ride the Eiffel Tower elevator — Dogs are not allowed on the Eiffel Tower (though you can walk your dog around the base and Champ de Mars park)

Alternative Cultural Experiences

When you want to visit a museum or other dog-restricted attraction, there are several options:

1. Take turns. If traveling with a partner, one person visits the museum while the other walks the dog in a nearby park.
2. Use a dog-sitting service. Apps like DogBuddy (popular in Paris) connect you with local dog sitters for hourly or daily care.
3. Visit outdoor exhibits. Temporary outdoor art installations, street art in Belleville and the 13th arrondissement, and gallery windows in the Marais are all accessible with dogs.

Neighborhood Guide

Le Marais (3rd-4th Arrondissements)

The Marais is Paris’s trendiest neighborhood and one of its most dog-friendly. The narrow medieval streets, boutique shops, and cafe-lined squares welcome dogs at every turn. The Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, has a small garden where dogs on leash are welcome.

Best for: Shopping, cafes, and exploring on foot.

Saint-Germain-des-Pres (6th Arrondissement)

The literary quarter of Paris, Saint-Germain is home to legendary cafes (Cafe de Flore, Les Deux Magots), independent bookshops, and art galleries. Dogs are welcome at virtually every terrasse in the neighborhood.

Best for: Classic Parisian cafe culture with your dog.

Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

The hilltop village atmosphere of Montmartre, with its cobblestone streets, artist’s studios, and vineyard, is charming for dogs and humans alike. The steep staircases provide good exercise, and the quieter back streets away from Sacre-Coeur are peaceful for walking.

Best for: Atmospheric walks, photo opportunities, and quiet cafes.

Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arrondissement)

The hip, young neighborhood along the canal is filled with dog-owning Parisians. The towpath walk, the independent cafes, and the relaxed atmosphere make this a favorite for local dog owners.

Best for: Casual walking, canal-side dining, and local atmosphere.

Practical Tips

Dog Waste

Paris has struggled with dog waste for decades, and the city has responded with increasingly strict enforcement. As of 2026, fines for not picking up after your dog are 68 EUR. The city provides waste bag dispensers in many parks, but always carry your own.

Veterinary Care

Paris has excellent veterinary care, including 24-hour emergency clinics:

• Urgences Veterinaires de Paris (UVP) — 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital, 40 Avenue d’Iena, 16th arr.
• Centre Hospitalier Veterinaire Fregis — Full-service veterinary hospital in the southern suburbs
• SOS Veterinaire — Mobile emergency vet service that comes to your location

Water Fountains

Paris has over 1,200 public water fountains (fontaines Wallace), and they provide free, drinkable water for you and your dog. The green Wallace fountains are iconic landmarks in themselves and are found throughout the city.

Dog Shops

Paris has numerous dog boutiques, from luxury fashion to practical gear:

• Oh Pacha — High-end dog boutique in the Marais
• Animalis — Chain pet store with multiple Paris locations for practical supplies
• Woof — Concept store for dogs in the 11th arrondissement

Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Central Paris

• Morning: Walk along the Seine from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower
• Lunch: Cafe de Flore terrasse (Saint-Germain)
• Afternoon: Tuileries Garden walk, window shopping on Rue de Rivoli
• Evening: Dinner at a Marais bistro

Day 2: East Paris

• Morning: Canal Saint-Martin walk, coffee at a canal-side cafe
• Lunch: Marche des Enfants Rouges (covered market)
• Afternoon: Place des Vosges, Marais boutiques
• Evening: Dinner at Pink Mamma rooftop

Day 3: West Paris

• Morning: Bois de Boulogne exploration (2-3 hours, off-leash areas)
• Lunch: Picnic from a local boulangerie
• Afternoon: Partner visits a museum while you walk the Champ de Mars with your dog
• Evening: Dinner in Montmartre, walk up to Sacre-Coeur at sunset

Day 4: Montmartre and North

• Morning: Montmartre vineyard walk, Place du Tertre
• Lunch: Cafe in Abbesses
• Afternoon: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Evening: Bouillon Chartier for a classic Parisian dinner

Final Thoughts

Paris with a dog is not Paris with limitations — it is Paris with a different perspective. You will spend more time in parks, on sidewalks, and at cafe terrasses than in museums and cathedrals. You will discover neighborhoods that tourists never visit because you are following your dog’s nose rather than a guidebook’s recommendations. You will experience the Paris that Parisians actually live in, not the Paris that exists behind museum ticket counters.

Oakley and I spent 10 days in Paris, and by the end, I was convinced that Paris is not just dog-friendly — it is a city that is fundamentally better with a dog. The cafes feel more authentic with a dog at your feet. The parks feel more alive with a dog exploring beside you. And the city itself feels more like home when you are sharing it with the companion who makes everywhere feel like home.

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